Janošik

Janošik, also spelled Jánošík, is a Slovak and Polish surname derived from the given name Ján (John) or its diminutives. It is a common surname in both Slovakia and Poland, particularly in regions with historical connections. The name is often associated with the legendary Slovak folk hero Juraj Jánošík, a highwayman who, according to popular tradition, robbed from the rich and gave to the poor. Consequently, the surname carries connotations of bravery, resistance, and social justice within Slovak and Polish cultural contexts. The popularity of the folk hero has cemented the name Jánošík in the collective consciousness, influencing art, literature, and folklore in the region. The surname can also appear in various spellings and inflections depending on grammatical context.